The Cotman Letters 1834

Addressed to J. J. Cotman, Esqr.
St. Martins at Palace
March 25th/34.

My dear Brother
Though I have taken this sheet, this clean sheet of paper with the intention of filling it, I find I have nothing to tell you, no, really nothing. Worse than nothing, as I began it partly to get rid of a few dozen blue devils that have been annoying me, and of some waste time which annoyed me more – Yes – I did really – I sat, and sat, not knowing what to do, till I bethought me of easing my load by making you bear a part. Selfish enough!! but invalids are selfish. Do not be frightened now, for I have only a bad cold which makes me feel nervous and irritable, with a great portion of vexation at not having completed a drawing to shew Father on his arrival. All this with the bustle before our house – has rendered me quite unfit for work this whole day and I really now feel almost quite miserable. I quite intend to sleep it off and I feel so entirely we ought all to be quite well to receive Father that I even hope from sheer determination, to sleep off also my cold.
I most happy to say all but my silly self are well. How I could be so very stupid as to catch cold I know not – unless it was at Barwell’s – We were in his painting room and it was cold. I now remember all sat with their hats on but I and Geldart, so tis settled, there I caught it!! How D—d stupid, I was much too pleased to think of my hat or any thing else, too much occupied. For to tell the truth though the party consisted of eight or ten persons only four were talkers – Burlowe, Geldart, Barwell and your humble